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Mathematical Methods

SAT 1 – Differential Calculus Test

No calculators and handwritten notes are allowed on this exam

Examination information

Reading time

ˆ 10 minutes

ˆ You may make notes on scribbling paper

Writing time

ˆ 60 minutes

ˆ State all answers correct to three decimal places, unless otherwise instructed

ˆ Use black or blue pen

ˆ You may use a sharp dark pencil for diagrams

Total marks: 50

Be sure you have a complete exam, for no credit can be given for work that is not done.
Show your work; little or no credit will be given for unsupported answers. Finally, before
you start to work a problem, be sure that you understand what is being asked and that you
are following instructions.
SACE College Vietnam – Sao Mai Building, 19 Le Van Luong, Hanoi
 4x + 2
1. (11 marks) The graph of f (x) = for x ≥ 0 is shown below.
x+2

The slope of the chord shown on the graph represents the average rate of change of
f (x) for the interval from x = 0 to x = 4.

(a) Find the slope of the chord. (3 marks)

(b) Interpret the value of f ′ (4). (2 marks)

(c) Consider the graph of y = f (x) on the previous page, and the chord shown. The
slope of the chord approximates the value of f ′ (4). On the graph, draw a chord
that has a slope that more closely approximates the value of f ′ (4). (2 marks)

4x + 2
(d) Using the first principle, find f ′ (4) for f (x) = . (4 marks)
x+2
2. (9 marks) Find the derivative of the following functions. There is no need to simplify
your answers.
√
3 1
(a) f (x) = x4 + 2 (3 marks)
x

(b) f (x) = (x + 3)(x3 − 2x + 5)6 (3 marks)

3x − 1
(c) f (x) = (3 marks)
x2 + 4x + 3
3. (10 marks) Consider the function f (x) = x4 − 4x + 2. The graph of the function
y = f (x) is shown below.

(a) i. Find f ′ (x). (2 marks)

ii. Hence, using an algebraic process, determine the x-coordinate and the y-
coordinate of the stationary point of the graph of y = f (x). (3 marks)
(b) i. Find f ′′ (x). (2 marks)

ii. Determine whether the graph of y = f (x) has any points of inflection. Justify
your answer using mathematical reasoning. (3 marks)
4. (11 marks) The graph of y = f ′ (x) is shown below. Given that f ′ (x) has two x-
intercepts at x = −1 and x = 2, a local max at x = −1, and a local min at x = 1.

(a) Make a sign diagram for f ′ (x). (4 marks)

(b) Make a sign diagram for f ′′ (x). (4 marks)

(c) Sketch a graph which could be y = f (x). Show clearly the turning points and
inflection points. (3 marks)
5. (9 marks) The graph of the curve y = g(x) for 0 ≤ x ≤ 5 is shown below.

Points A = (2, g(2)) and B = (3, g(3)) lie on the curve. Point A is the only point of
inflection.

(a) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer.

g ′ (2) < g ′ (3) g ′ (2) = g ′ (3) g ′ (2) > g ′ (3)

Justification: (3 marks)
(b) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer.

g ′′ (2) < 0 g ′′ (2) = 0 g ′′ (2) > 0

Justification: (3 marks)

(c) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer.

g ′′ (3) < 0 g ′′ (3) = 0 g ′′ (3) > 0

Justification: (3 marks)